2012 Global Hunger Index: The Challenge of Hunger

The Global Hunger Index is a comprehensive measure of hunger worldwide and by country and region. Although the proportion of hungry people around the world has declined since 1990, global hunger remains at a level characterized as “serious.” Global Hunger Index scores vary greatly across regions and countries.


This year’s report focuses particularly on how to ensure sustainable food security under conditions of land, water, and energy stresses. As a result of increasing natural resource scarcity—owing to population growth, higher incomes, unsustainable resource consumption, and poor policies and weak institutions—sustainable food security is now inextricably linked to developments in the land, water, and energy sectors. The stark reality is that the world needs to produce more food with fewer resources, while eliminating wasteful practices and policies. Many countries have started to rethink agriculture and food security strategies, and this rethinking provides an opportunity to ensure that food security strategies are aligned with plans related to scarce natural resources.


By drawing attention to the countries and regions most severely affected by hunger, the Global Hunger Index, published by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in collaboration with Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, aims to trigger action to reduce hunger.